As poor college students, my boyfriend Miles and I have had to be pretty creative when it comes to going out on dates. We love spending time together, but we don’t want to spend a bunch of money to do so. I’m sure that many other couples are going through the same situation as Miles and me. So as a solution, I have a made a list of 17 of my favorite cheap date night ideas. I hope these ideas help keep your wallets thick and your hearts happy. Enjoy!
1. Go to a local Redbox and rent a movie for the night.
Then once you have your movie, make a bag of popcorn and snuggle up. This is a perfect date to do during winter.
2. Bake homemade sugar cookies.
Not only is this a cheap idea, but it’s a yummy one too! All you need are the cookie ingredients and an oven and you will be set for a fun date.
3. Go outside and take pictures together.
I personally love pictures and this is a great opportunity to share some laughs while updating your Instagram.
4. Have a dance party.
A few years ago, Miles and I learned how to Salsa, and now we love to practice our dancing.
5. Wander through a bookstore.
You don’t have to buy any of the books, but it’s fun to explore and see what you find.
6. Take a trip to the grocery store.
I know it sounds boring, but Miles and I often have a blast walking around the Fred Meyer near campus.
7. Visit a museum or art gallery.
Most places will give you a discount if you are a college student. If not, you can sign up for TeenTix and sometimes get into a gallery for free.
8. Prepare a picnic.
This is a classic. It’s cheaper than eating out, and you can go wherever you want.
9. Grab a cup of coffee.
Miles and I love coffee. We tend to spend too much money on coffee, so now we stay on campus and Miles makes us coffee with his French press.
10. Play a board or card game.
This is a great idea if you want a stay-at-home kind of date.
11. Go stargazing.
One of my favorite things to do is lay out a blanket and stargaze. Miles and I can sit outside for hours talking and watching the stars.
12. Visit the farmers' market.
There are always fun things to see at a Farmers' Market and you don’t need to buy anything to enjoy yourself.
13. Go hiking or biking.
You need the correct gear for this one, but Miles and I are fortunate to have bikes and we love adventuring around town on our bikes.
14. Volunteer together.
It’s very humbling to serve the community as a couple. Miles and I volunteered as youth group leaders last year. It's hard work, but you see a different—and very humbling—perspective of each other.
15. Go on a scavenger hunt.
This is a great double date idea. Find a local scavenger list and try to find the things on the list. Don’t forget to take photos!
16. Take the bus to somewhere you’ve never been.
Bus tickets are very cheap and they can essentially take you anywhere you want to go, so be creative and go!
17. Watch the sunset.
The sunsets in Washington are always beautiful. Cherish the colors and watch them with the mindset that God created them.
